Jesus Is Dedicated to God

Luke 2:21-40


Our true story comes from a part of the Bible called the Gospel of Luke. Luke loved Jesus and wanted others to know and love Jesus, too. And the word gospel means “good news!”

When Jesus was still a baby, Mary and Joseph took Him to God’s special house, the Temple. They wanted to thank God for Jesus and do what God had asked them to do. Mary and Joseph loved God, and they wanted to raise Jesus in God’s ways.

At the Temple, there was a kind, older man named Simeon. Simeon loved God very much. He had been waiting a long, long time for God to send the One who would help and save His people. God had promised Simeon that he would see this special child.

When Simeon saw baby Jesus, God helped him know something wonderful. Simeon knew that Jesus was God’s special gift. Simeon held Jesus gently and thanked God. He was so happy because God had kept His promise.

There was also an older woman named Anna at the Temple. Anna prayed and worshiped God every day. When Anna saw Jesus, she was filled with joy. She thanked God and told others that God’s promise had come true.

After this, Mary and Joseph took Jesus home. Jesus grew bigger and stronger. He learned and grew each day, and God was pleased with Him.

God kept His promise. Jesus was God’s special gift, sent to help and love everyone.

Jesus is God’s special gift. Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to God, and Simeon and Anna were happy because God kept His promise.


Dear God,

Thank You for Jesus, Your special gift to the world. Thank You that Mary and Joseph loved You and brought Jesus to You. Thank You for Simeon and Anna, who waited and trusted You. Help us love You, trust You, and grow with You every day. We love You, God.

In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.






Bible Verse: “For nothing will be impossible with God.” — Luke 1:37, BSB

Paraphrase: “Nothing is too hard for God.”



Activities

These activities help preschoolers engage with the story through movement, crafts, music, and storytelling, making the lesson fun and memorable.


1. Bringing Jesus to God

Objective: To help children understand that Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to God and thanked Him.

Materials: A doll or stuffed toy, a small blanket or cloth.

Activity: Wrap the doll or stuffed toy in the blanket and explain that it represents baby Jesus. Invite children to gently “walk” the baby to a special place in the room and pretend to thank God for Him. Emphasize that Mary and Joseph loved God and wanted to give thanks for Jesus.

Talk About It: “Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to God. We can thank God too.”


2. Waiting with Simeon and Anna

Objective: To help children learn that waiting for God can be good and joyful.

Materials: Open space, Optional: a small timer or slow counting.

Activity: Ask the children to sit quietly for a short moment while you slowly count or use a timer. Then explain that Simeon and Anna waited a long time to see God’s promise. When the waiting is over, smile and say, “God kept His promise!” Encourage children to clap gently.

Talk About It: “Simeon and Anna waited, and God kept His promise.”
 

3. “Thank You, God, for Jesus” (Musical Activity)

Objective: To help children express thankfulness to God for Jesus and remember that Jesus is God’s special gift.

Materials: None (optional: gentle rocking motions).

Activity: Teach children the following song to the melody Row, Row, Row Your Boat (Public Domain). Encourage gentle rocking or swaying as they sing.

Song: “Thank You, God, for Jesus”

        Thank You, God, for Jesus,
        Thank You, God, for love.
        Thank You for Your promises,
        Sent from Heaven above.

Talk About It: “Jesus is God’s special gift. What do you want to thank God for today?”


4. Growing with God

Objective: To help children understand that Jesus grew, and God helps us grow too.

Materials: Open space.

Activity: Invite children to crouch down small and then slowly stand up tall. Explain that Jesus grew bigger and stronger, and God was with Him. Repeat the movement a few times and talk about how God helps us grow as we learn and love Him.

Talk About It: “Jesus grew with God’s help, and God helps us grow too.”
 
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Story illustrations are the copyright of James M. Thomas. All rights reserved.
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